The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned the carrying of dangerous weapons in public areas in Gokwe and Kwekwe districts for the next three months.
In a statement, Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said officers Commanding Police Gokwe and Kwekwe Districts have issued prohibition orders for the carrying of dangerous weapons in public areas.
The prohibition order is a response to the rise in violent cases involving the use of dangerous weapons. Said Insp Mahoko:
This is due to the increase of cases of violence using machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears or daggers, catapults and other offensive weapons or other traditional weapons.
Officers Commanding Police Districts are regulating officers for areas under them in terms of the law.
The notices are issued in terms of section 4(1) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23.
… Chief Superintendent Tsitsi Chikono issued a prohibition notice for areas under Gokwe District, running from 22 October 2021to 19 January 2022.
Chief Superintendent Denford Maingire on the other hand issued the notice for areas under Kwekwe District, covering the period 18 October 2021 to 17 January 2022.
He warned that those who fail to comply with the order will be arrested. Said Insp Mahoko:
Any person failing to comply with such a prohibition shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such a fine and imprisonment.